Description of Phaseolus cibellii Chiov.
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is a species of legume that belongs to the family of Fabaceae. The plant is endemic to Ethiopia, where it is primarily found in the high-altitude areas of Bale Mountains.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as “Bale bean,” after the region where it is mainly found.
Uses
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is an essential crop for the local communities around Bale Mountains. The beans of the plant are edible and used for human consumption. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The crop is also used as animal feed, and the plant's dry stems and leaves serve as a source of fuel.
General Appearance
The plant is a robust herbaceous vine that can grow up to three meters in length. It is an annual plant, which means it completes its life cycle within one year. The plant bears flowers of different colors, including white, purple, and pink. The fruit of the plant is a pod containing 2-3 bean seeds.
Overall, Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is an important crop plant with significant economic and nutritional benefits for the local Ethiopian communities.Light requirements
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is a plant that requires a lot of sunlight to grow well. It is essential to provide it with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is between 18-24°C. The plant can tolerate higher temperature ranges, but it should avoid exposing it to temperatures above 30°C. Extreme temperature can cause wilting of leaves, loss of flowers, and damage to the plant's overall growth.
Soil requirements
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be fertile and slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers soils with good water-holding capacity, but it should not be waterlogged.
It is imperative to maintain the soil moisture content by watering the plant regularly, especially during dry seasons. Inadequate watering can result in poor growth, leaf wilting, and shedding of flowers and pods.
Cultivation of Phaseolus cibellii Chiov.
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. plants grow well in warm and humid conditions. The plant can grow up to 150 cm tall and is a perennial vine. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 6 and 7.
The seeds should be sown in a prepared bed with a spacing of about 10-15 cm between each seed. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered gently. Germination usually takes about 7-14 days.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering for optimal growth. Water the plants once every two days during the growing season and reduce it to once a week during the dormant season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. plants require regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer once every three weeks. Alternatively, you can add compost in the soil before planting to supply the necessary nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. plants require regular pruning to ensure that they grow well. Trim the tips of the plants regularly to encourage bushy growth. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to prevent the spread of diseases. You can also prune the plant to maintain the desired shape or size.
Propagation of Phaseolus cibellii Chiov.
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is primarily propagated through seed. The seeds can be obtained from mature pods of the parent plant.
Seed collection
The pods of Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. can be harvested when the seeds inside have turned dark brown. The pods should be dry and crispy. The seeds must be removed from the pods and dried in a cool and dark place for at least a week.
Seed treatment
Before sowing, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide to protect against seed-borne diseases. The seeds can also be soaked in water overnight to soften the seed coat. This will help in faster germination.
Sowing
The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal temperature for germination is between 22°C to 28°C. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and kept moist until germination.
Cutting propagation
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken from healthy branches. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and should be planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be kept moist until they establish roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus cibellii Chiov.
Phaseolus cibellii Chiov., commonly known as the Italian flat bean, is a legume crop cultivated for its edible pods and seeds. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant yield losses if not managed appropriately.
Common diseases affecting Phaseolus cibellii Chiov.
One of the most common diseases affecting Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is anthracnose. This fungal disease causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, leading to premature defoliation and reduced yield. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and apply fungicides preventively.
Another disease that affects Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. is bacterial blight. This bacterial disease causes water-soaked lesions that turn brown and necrotic on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. To manage bacterial blight, it is crucial to practice crop rotation, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply copper-based fungicides preventively.
Common pests affecting Phaseolus cibellii Chiov.
Spider mites are one of the most common pests that affect Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. These tiny pests suck the sap out of the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, it is essential to maintain proper plant nutrition and hydration, spray the plants with water to wash off the mites, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids are another pest that can affect Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. These small insects pierce the plant's tissues and suck the sap, causing distorted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage aphids, it is crucial to attract their natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, by planting companion plants like marigolds and yarrow, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
In conclusion, by practicing appropriate disease and pest management strategies, growers can produce healthy and productive crops of Phaseolus cibellii Chiov. that are free from significant yield losses due to diseases and pests.
